French President Emmanuel Macron visited Cyprus to express solidarity following a drone attack linked to the ongoing Iran conflict, marking the first strike on European soil. He emphasized that an attack on Cyprus equates to an attack on Europe. Macron announced the deployment of additional French warships, including the frigate Languedoc, to bolster Cyprus’s defenses. Greece is also contributing, sending four F-16 jets and patrolling frigates.
Macron highlighted a French-led initiative for international cooperation to secure oil and gas shipments in the region. He participated in diplomatic talks to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and calling for calm. Cypriot leaders reiterated their humanitarian focus and non-involvement in military operations, condemning attacks from non-state actors like Hezbollah.
The drone, believed to be from Hezbollah, damaged a British airbase in Cyprus but caused no injuries. Lebanese officials distanced the government from the attack, urging a crackdown on rogue groups. Macron urged Israel to cease its strikes against Hezbollah, stressing the importance of protecting Lebanese civilians.
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